ANTI-BULLYING leaders are set to interview hundreds of Worcestershire schoolchildren and their teachers to put an end to the problem.

ANTI-BULLYING leaders are set to interview hundreds of Worcestershire schoolchildren and their teachers to put an end to the problem.

A task force made up of six county councillors today announced they will be visiting every middle and secondary school in the county to speak to children and staff member about bullying.

In a joint move with the Anti-Bullying Alliance, they hope to improve the way that schools deal with children who are abusive towards their classmates.

Coun Jo Hodges, who is leading the Bullying Scrutiny Task Group, said: "Bullying can occur in many guises to people from all walks of life.

"Our task is to focus on where it currently exists in the county, what is being done to address it and whether or not any improvements can be made.

"We have decided to visit all schools in the county that have Key Stage Three, Key Stage Four and Sixth Form pupils to interview and identify good practice and where the council can provide support and help to the school. We hope that schools will welcome us when we visit."

The move comes after the task group met three times to put together an action plan to prevent bullying. In the most recent meeting, Adrienne Katz, from the Anti-Bullying Alliance, briefed the councillors on the best ways to tackle bullying.

Coun Hodges added: "Not only did she talk to us about the different methods of bullying and its effects, but also the measures and legislation currently in place to monitor and respond to it in an ever-changing environment."